OROGUN/Nigeria: The Male Feminist Network (MFN) has intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) with a grassroots sensitisation programme aimed at mobilising men and boys as champions of gender equality and the protection of women and girls.
The awareness campaign, held at the Palace of Priest Assembly Church Auditorium in Oguno-Orogun, Delta State, was facilitated by the Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI) and South-South Zonal Partner Coordinator of the Male Feminist Network, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, who urged participants to embrace collective responsibility in building a society free from violence, discrimination and inequality.
Addressing community members during the programme, Egedegbe outlined the vision and objectives of the Male Feminist Network, explaining that the organisation seeks to engage men and boys as active allies in promoting gender justice, equal opportunities and the rights of women and girls.
He noted that feminism is often misunderstood, stressing that it is not a movement against men but one that advocates fairness, dignity, justice and equal opportunities for all members of society.
According to him, sustainable development and peaceful communities can only be achieved when women and girls are protected from violence and provided with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Speaking on the growing challenge of Gender-Based Violence, Egedegbe identified physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, sexual and economic abuse as some of the common forms of violence affecting individuals and families across communities.
He attributed the persistence of violence to factors such as ignorance, harmful cultural and social norms, discrimination and abuse of power, warning that the consequences extend beyond victims to affect families, communities and national development.
The facilitator noted that children exposed to violent environments often suffer emotional trauma and may develop behavioural challenges, including fear, aggression and violent tendencies later in life.
He challenged women and girls to invest in education, personal development, leadership and character building, urging them to recognise their value and take advantage of opportunities that would enhance their social and economic empowerment.
Egedegbe also called on men and boys to become vocal advocates against all forms of violence, emphasizing the need to respect the rights and dignity of women and girls while supporting their advancement in society.
“Building a safe and prosperous society requires the collective efforts of both men and women. Men and boys must become champions of respect, protection and equal opportunity for women and girls,” he said.
The programme also focused on the legal consequences of violence and abuse, with participants encouraged to report incidents through appropriate channels and support survivors rather than stigmatise or blame them.
Participants were further urged to become ambassadors of peace, equality and justice within their homes, schools, religious institutions and communities.
The sensitisation programme ended with a renewed call for collective action to eliminate violence, promote human dignity and create an environment where women and girls can live safely, thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Organisers said the initiative forms part of the Male Feminist Network’s ongoing grassroots campaign to strengthen awareness, encourage behavioural change and mobilise communities across Nigeria towards ending Gender-Based Violence and advancing gender equality.
